The Cemetery Boys: Espíritu
Aiden Thomas
Feiwel & Friends
Published September 8, 2026
About The Cemetery Boys: Espíritu
Julian used to be a ghost and now he can’t stop seeing them.
Ever since being sacrificed as part of a forbidden ritual, Julian has been able to see and communicate with the spirits of passed brujx. And that would be okay, if it allowed him to be part of his new boyfriend’s community. But Julian’s also seeing other things: shadows in the corner of his eyes, glowing eyes in the dark, and “dark spots” on people – gaping, black gashes that are somehow wrong. He did ask his new magical boyfriend about it, but Yadriel has never heard of anything like it either, and he’s so busy with his new Brujx responsibilities, trying to figure out where all the new malingos are coming from, that Julian hates for his problems to ruin what little time together they have.
Then, a strange new brujx shows up. Ángel, as a nonbinary brujx, can heal the living and release the dead, but more than that, they can also see the same dark spots as Julian. Despite Yadriel’s reservations, Julian eagerly accepts their help. But, Ángel’s ruthless methods feel wrong to Julian, who wants to move away from hurting others.
With the shadows growing darker, and the discovery of a gaping dark spot on his friend Luca, Julian has to decide who he wants to put his trust in, and just how far he’s willing to go to save what is his.
My Review
Revisiting the story world introduced in The Cemetery Boys was such a treat. I enjoyed seeing more of Julian’s family life and getting to know Yadriel and Maritza better, too.
The chapters alternate between Julian and Yadriel’s perspectives, keeping us connected to what’s happening in both boys’ heads. Julian and Yadriel are already in a romantic relationship, so the story doesn’t circle around whether they’ll get together. The dual narrative keeps their connection central and creates sweet moments amid rising tension about disappearing ghosts and growing shadows.
Julian is part of a family unit made up of his older brother and his close friends who live together. They are still adjusting to a new routine now that Julian is in a relationship that involves spending a lot of time with Yadriel’s family, doing things they’re not invited to participate in. Julian senses their growing frustration and has to find a new way to stay connected with his family and his new community. I really appreciated the way the story explored those relationship questions. It felt very organic. I think those components will resonate with readers, many of whom are themselves learning to navigate shifting connections and relationships.
I also enjoyed the story’s fantasy elements and the descriptions of the celebrations. I loved revisiting the ghostly story world that Thomas created in The Cemetery Boys. I’m looking forward to reading more of their work.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 14 up.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used somewhat frequently.
Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing. One couple falls asleep together.
Spiritual Content
Inspired by the celebration of Día de Muertos. Some characters can see and interact with ghosts and other spiritual powers.
Violent Content
Situations of peril.
Drug Content
None.
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